irbesartan
Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.
What is Irbesartan (Avapro)?
What is Irbesartan (Avapro) used for?
- Treatment of high blood pressure
- Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes
How Irbesartan (Avapro) works
Irbesartan (Avapro) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the effect of a hormone called angiotensin II. The main role of angiotensin II is to narrow your blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure and cause your heart to work harder to pump out blood to the rest of your body. By blocking the effect of this hormone on the body, irbesartan (Avapro) relaxes your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure and stress on your heart.
Drug facts
Side effects of Irbesartan (Avapro)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (up to 10%)
- Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
- Feeling tired (4%)
- Diarrhea (3%)
- Heartburn (2%)
Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.
Less Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Ringing in the ears
Irbesartan (Avapro) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Angioedema (severe swelling): swelling of the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, unexplained weight gain, or swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
The following Irbesartan (Avapro) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
Less common
Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
frequent urge to urinate
lower back or side pain
Rare
Chest discomfort
decreased urine output
dilated neck veins
extreme fatigue
feeling of warmth
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
shortness of breath
sweating
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
vomiting
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach pain
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
clay-colored stools
dark urine
decreased frequency of urine
headache
increased thirst
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
muscle cramps or spasms
muscle pain or stiffness
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rash
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood
weakness or heaviness of the legs
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
body aches or pain
bone pain
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
feeling of indigestion
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hoarseness
joint pain
pain in the chest below the breastbone
shivering
stomach discomfort or upset
sweating
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble sleeping
trouble with swallowing
voice changes
Rare
Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
bloated or full feeling
blurred or loss of vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in hearing
cracked, dry, scaly skin
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
disturbed color perception
double vision
ear drainage
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
halos around lights
hives or welts
inability to have or keep an erection
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
passing gas
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
tunnel vision
Incidence not known
Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
sensation of spinning
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Irbesartan (Avapro)
Pros
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Typically taken once a day
- Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
Cons
- Not safe for use while pregnant
- High risk of raising potassium levels
- Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy
Pharmacist tips for Irbesartan (Avapro)
- You can track how well irbesartan (Avapro) is working to control your blood pressure by checking your blood pressure regularly at home. Write down your blood pressure readings, and bring them to your appointments with your provider so you can discuss how well irbesartan (Avapro) is working for you.
- Irbesartan (Avapro) works to lower your blood pressure, but this can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. You're more likely to feel dizzy or lightheaded if you're suddenly standing up from a sitting or lying down position. Make sure to get up slowly from these positions after taking irbesartan (Avapro). Tell your provider if you experience fainting or dizziness while taking this medication.
- Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take irbesartan (Avapro). Your provider might order tests to check your potassium levels and kidney health during treatment. Based on your lab results and your blood pressure readings, they might change your dose to make sure the medication is safe and working well for you.
- Remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated while you're taking irbesartan (Avapro), especially on hot days or after exercising. Dehydration can put you at risk for very low blood pressure, dizziness, and falls. In addition, not having enough fluids in your body might raise your risk of kidney damage during treatment with this medication.
- Don't take irbesartan (Avapro) if you're pregnant since it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant during treatment, contact your provider right away. Your provider might prescribe you a different medication that's safer during pregnancy or suggest lifestyle changes.
- Irbesartan (Avapro) can interact with many medications. Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start irbesartan (Avapro). Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about interactions with this medication.
Common questions about Irbesartan (Avapro)
No, irbesartan (Avapro) isn't a beta blocker; it's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Beta blockers and ARBs can help lower high blood pressure, but they do so in different ways. If you're taking irbesartan (Avapro) and your blood pressure is still higher, your provider might prescribe additional blood pressure-lowering medications, such as a beta blocker, to help. Talk with your provider if you've questions about your blood pressure medications.
It can take between 2 to 4 days for most of irbesartan (Avapro) to leave your body. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of irbesartan (Avapro). It can also be affected by your health conditions and genetics, so it can be different for each individual person. If you experience side effects with this medication, such as dizziness and fainting, let your provider know right away.
If you want to stop taking irbesartan (Avapro), talk with your provider first. Don't suddenly stop this medication, especially if you've been taking it regularly for some time. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise very quickly, which can be dangerous. If you want to stop irbesartan (Avapro), your provider can help you do so safely by lower your dosage over time.
People who took irbesartan (Avapro) during clinical studies didn't report hair loss as a side effect. If you find yourself losing hair while taking irbesartan (Avapro), talk with your provider. They can examine you and discuss other possible causes of your hair loss, such as other medications or medical conditions.
Depending on when your blood pressure is the highest during the day, your provider might ask you to take irbesartan (Avapro) either in the morning or evening. But regardless of what time of the day you're taking this medication, it's important to take it at the same time every day. Taking irbesartan (Avapro) regularly can help better control your blood pressure, which lowers your risk of heart diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. If you have trouble remembering to take your medications, consider using a pill box to organize your medications.
Irbesartan (Avapro) is a first-choice treatment for most people with high blood pressure. In particular, it's also the first-choice treatment for people with high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease. Keep in mind this medication doesn't work as well to control blood pressure in Black people. Your provider will help you decide what's the best medication for you to help control your blood pressure.
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Risks and warnings for Irbesartan (Avapro)
Irbesartan (Avapro) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to unborn baby
Taking irbesartan (Avapro) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy might raise the risk for birth defects, such as small skull, low blood pressure, and kidney failure. Sometimes, this can be fatal to your unborn baby. Because of this potential risk, if you find out that you're pregnant while you're taking irbesartan (Avapro), stop and let your provider know right away. If you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, discuss safer treatment options with your provider.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Dehydration (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting) | Low salt levels in your body | People on dialysis | Taking diuretics for a long time
Sometimes, taking irbesartan (Avapro) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. Make sure to stay well-hydrated during treatment. Don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying down position, since this can cause your blood pressure to drop quickly. If you often feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking irbesartan (Avapro), let your provider know.
Worsening kidney problems
- Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems | Taking diuretics
Irbesartan (Avapro) can usually improve blood flow to the kidneys, which is good for people with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). But in some cases, irbesartan (Avapro) can make kidney problems worse. The risk is higher for people who have certain medical conditions, such as blockage of the kidney artery or severe heart failure. As a result, your provider might order lab tests during treatment to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual, feeling tired, nauseous, or have chills. These can be symptoms of kidney damage.
High levels of potassium
- Risk factors: Diabetes | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that also raise potassium
Very rarely, irbesartan (Avapro) can raise the amount of potassium in your body, which can be dangerous. Your risk of developing high potassium levels is greater if you have diabetes, kidney problems, or are taking other medications that also raise potassium levels. For this reason, make sure your provider knows your full medical history and what medications you're taking before starting irbesartan (Avapro). If you experience signs of high potassium, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat, tell your provider right away.
Irbesartan (Avapro) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150mg | 90 tablets | $18.42 | $0.20 |
| 300mg | 30 tablets | $9.00 | $0.30 |
| 75mg | 90 tablets | $16.18 | $0.18 |
Typical dosage for Irbesartan (Avapro)
-
High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will adjust your dose according to your blood pressure. The maximum dose is 300 mg by mouth once daily.
-
Diabetic kidney disease: The typical dosing is 300 mg by mouth once daily.
Your dose might differ if you're dehydrated, taking diuretics ("water pills"), or if you're on dialysis
Interactions between Irbesartan (Avapro) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Ceritinib
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Entacapone
- Fluconazole
- Fosinopril
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Moexipril
- Perindopril
- Potassium Phosphate
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
How much does Irbesartan (Avapro) cost?
Irbesartan (Avapro) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Irbesartan (Avapro) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking with aliskiren (Tekturna) and you also have diabetes
What are alternatives to Irbesartan (Avapro)?
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